A bathroom remodeling project requires a thoughtful and efficient design. Ideally, your bathroom design will be drafted by a design specialist, but your informed participation will ensure that your project delivers the efficiency and luxury you desire. To help you learn the basics of bathroom design, we've listed a few necessary requirements as well as three simple questions.
Read this article before you meet with your architect.
Learn the IRC and the NKBD Guidelines
Believe it or not, your bathroom design will partly be determined by national, state, and local laws. Specifically, the International Residence Code (IRC), mandates "certain minimum regulations for one- and two-family dwellings of three stories or less. It brings together all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and electrical provisions for one- and two-family residences." For more information visit the site www.energystar.gov.
For bathroom design specifically, the code states that a toilet's centerline must rest at least 15-inches from walls or other fixtures. The IRC also mandates a certain amount of "clear floor space" in front of a toilet or tub (at least 18-inches), and in front of a shower (at least 24-inches).
While it's certainly worthwhile for you to know the basics of the IRC, you shouldn't worry too much about the specs. In fact, most bathroom designs easily comply with the IRC. For increased comfort, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) suggests even more space from a toilet's centerline (at least 18-inches) as well as a "clear floor space" in front of all fixtures of at least 30-inches. For a complete overview of the NKBA's bathroom design guidelines, check out this helpful article from Better Homes and Garden.
To use this information to your advantage, take a measuring tape to your current bathroom. Measure the distance between your toilet's centerline and the nearest wall or fixture. Would you prefer more or less space in your new bathroom layout? Perform the same task with your "clear floor space." If, for example, you measure 32-inches, you might ask yourself, "Do I want more or less clear floor space?" By learning these details, and taking these measurements, you can confidently guide your bathroom design specialist to the bathroom of your dreams.
Three Simple Questions
These questions will help you clarify the crucial elements of your bathroom layout.
1. WHO will use your bathroom?
This might seem like a relatively boring question, but a clear view of your bathroom's intended users will help you make some crucial decisions. For example, as a parent, you might hope to build a new master bathroom with luxurious amenities for your exclusive use. Just make sure you're being realistic. Will your kids use this bathroom, too? If so, instead of luxurious glass, you might opt for no-slip ceramic tiles. Don't fret, though. Your kids don't have to crimp your style. Based on your usage, your bathroom design specialist will suggest many intriguing possibilities you might not have imagined.
2. WHEN will you use your bathroom?
AM or PM? The functionality of your bathroom will vary depending on when you intend to use it. After all, a bathroom layout built for the morning rush will look a lot different than one built exclusively for after-work relaxation. If your family has a hectic morning routine, your bathroom renovation will most likely require a streamlined space with simple amenities. On the other hand, a bathroom meant for spa-like relaxation can eschew certain elements of functionality in favor of delightfully playful amenities like a whirlpool or radiant heat flooring.
3. HOW will you use the bathroom?
This question might seem similar to "when will you use the bathroom?" - but your answer should be different. In fact, the more distinctive your answer, the more useful your bathroom makeover will be for your specific purpose.
Of course, we all use the bathroom for similar purposes. We can safely assume that your bathroom will include, at the very least, a toilet and sink, and likely a shower or bath. But how you will use these fixtures will be different than another person's "how", and this difference might account for dramatically different choices in your bathroom fixtures. Your "how" might be relaxation or utility or something else - be specific!
Kitchen Remodeling
Master Kitchen & Bath Design has set the standard for kitchen remodeling in the Bucks County area for over thirty years. A rare find in the kitchen remodeling industry, MKBD excels in both in-house design and construction. We never use subcontractors, all of our team members, from our lead designer to lead carpenter, take ownership of each project.
Bathroom Remodeling
Master Kitchen and Bath Design designs beautiful bathrooms to complement both older and newly constructed homes. For over thirty years, MKBD has distinguished itself as the leading bathroom remodeling company in the Philadelphia area. When you work with MKBD, you partner with the most innovative and skilled talent in the bathroom remodeling industry.
Finished Basements
In many homes, the basement is a neglected space, a hideaway for moldering storage boxes, discarded furniture, and outdated supplies. A remodeling project can transform your basement into a functional living space. From recreational rooms to guest suites, Master Kitchen & Bath Design excels in the design and construction of finished basements.
